Discussion: Pitcher Protect - LARGE GLOVE

Pitcher Protect - LARGE GLOVEIs there a rule that dictates the size and shape of a fielder's glove? Does it prevent a pitcher (or 3B) from wearing any size or shape they choose.
Some may wish to go to the large scoop or oversized OF gloves now available.
DH
#4 The Tub

Last year ASA approved the use of a first baseman't mitt for use by the pitcher, maybe for all positions, I don't remember.
Most associations only approve up to a 14 inch glove. A few years ago SPA approved any size glove, as long as it was mass produced. They changed that rule two or three years ago, only approving up to a 14 inch glove.
To be certain, check the rules of the association that you play.

Bruce - Thanks. I have seen many larger than 14" mitts used in Major&AAA play. The rule - if any - is loosely policed and thats OK with me. I don't know how guys needing a quick response use them but if they provide additional safety I think they should be allowed.

3.6 GLOVES
Gloves may be worn by any player, but mitts may be used only by the catcher and first baseman. No top lacing, webbing or other device between the thumb and body of the glove or mitt worn by a first baseman or catcher, or a glove worn by any fielder, shall be more than five inches (12.70 cm) in length. Here are the maximum length specifications.....

I used a 15 inch glove for a couple of years
till I lost it and it was harder to manipulate
but could get to and stop more balls
when pitching and playing 3rd base.
I would lose the ball often in transfer and sometimes couldn't tell if the ball was in the glove or not.
I new it was technically illegal and so did
just about everyone else
but safety dictated the move and I've seen
many more 15 inch gloves in existence.

It really is a trade off as said earlier
so there really isn't an overall advantage in my book
but fundamentally, I agree with Bruce.
Safety for pitchers, first and 3rd.
Use a blanket if you want.
Now there's an idea.
Blanket ball.

I know Worth makes a 15 inch model called Joker
and it's not bad but it's a bit heavy.
I miss the Rawlings one I lost.
It was much lighter.

Here it is in the 2008 ASA rule book:
Section 4. GLOVE/MITT. A Glove/Mitt may be worn by any player. The dimensions
of any glove/mitt used by any fielder shall not exceed the specifications set forth
below (see drawing and specifications).

Here's a link to the 2008 rules:
http://www.techstarcomputers.com/sonic625/2008_ASA_TeamRuleBook_with_code.pdf

Joe alluded to this in his post. A large glove is a heavier glove - it might give you a little bit more leather to throw out there but possibly at a cost - slower adjustment at the ball coming back - especially if the pitcher is not setting himself in a defensive posture to field the ball after EVERY pitch. That's what you see the good fielding pitchers do.

Keep in mind at 1st base we usually have time to set our angle to where the ball is coming from and position the glove to receive the throw. Even fielding from the batter we're in a crouch awaiting the ball so in a defensive posture. I used the Nakoma 14" for awhile but it was just too top heavy especially at other infield positions.

I've found the Rawlings 13.5 six finger works well with a large pocket and not heavy for easier top to bottom transition.

4x4 I found a Rawlings that's light
and has decent padding. RS1408-14
inch,found it at Big 5 of all places.
A glove may seem like an unnecessary
piece of equipment,but playing with
bare hands really hurts. Anyone
know of a 14 inch 1st baseman glove?

OTE24 rodriguezgloves.com have custom made 1st baseman's mitts 14" and also have 15" fielders gloves. I bought a 14" outfielders glove and they have about 10 different parts of the glove and about 10 different colors for those parts. They are a good quality glove made in Mexico.

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